Feast Day: 8th August

Patron Saint: Astronomers; astronomy; Dominican Republic; falsely accused people

Quote: “I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God. “

Saint Dominic was born in Caleruega, Spain in 1170. His parents were members of the Spanish nobility and were related to the ruling family. His father was Felix Guzman, and was the royal warden of the village. His mother, Blessed. Joan of Aza, was a holy woman in her own right. While his mother was pregnant with Dominic, she had a vision that her unborn child was a dog who would set the world on fire with a torch it carried in its mouth.  A dog bearing a torch in its mouth became a symbol for the Dominicans. This vision not only influenced the Dominicans' emblem but also embodied the essence of Dominic's life – a determination to ignite the world with the truth of Christ.

The story of St. Dominic's encounter with Our Lady and the rosary further underscores his devotion and dedication to the Catholic faith. Dominic received a vision from Our Lady who showed him a wreath of roses, which represented the rosary. She told him to say the rosary daily, teach it to all who would listen, and eventually the true faith would be successful throughout the world. Dominic is often credited with the creation of the rosary, despite the fact that it actually predates him, but he certainly spread and encouraged devotion to it, and used it to strengthen his own spiritual life. 

He founded the Order of Friars Preachers (The Dominicans) in 1215, a group who lived a simple, disciplined life. He was chosen as bishop several times, but he always refused the role, preferring to live with his brothers in poverty. 

Legend also says that Dominic received a vision of a beggar who, like Dominic, would do great things for the Catholic faith. Dominic met the beggar the next day. He embraced him and said, "You are my companion and must walk with me. If we hold together, no earthly power can withstand us." 

The beggar was Saint Francis of Assisi. This meeting with Saint Francis of Assisi is an example of the unity and collaboration between two great saints who shared a vision of reforming and revitalising the Catholic Church. Their embrace symbolises their unity of purpose and the strength that comes from working together for a common cause. 

Dominic died at the age of fifty-one, "exhausted with the austerities and labours of his career". He had reached the convent of St Nicholas at Bologna, Italy, "weary and sick with a fever" Dominic "made the monks lay him on some sacking stretched upon the ground" and that "the brief time that remained to him was spent in imploring his followers to have charity, to guard their humility, and to make their treasure out of poverty".He died at noon on 6 August 1221.

Dominic was canonised in 1234 by Pope Gregory IX. In 1267 Dominic's remains were moved to the Church of St. Dominic in Bologna.

St. Dominic's life, marked by his deep spirituality, intellectual rigour, and commitment to the poor, remains a source of inspiration for Catholics and all individuals seeking to live a life of faith, humility, and service to others. His legacy continues to influence the world, just as his mother's vision foretold, as the Dominicans and their mission thrive to this day.

Written by Imogen Shepherd